PCR Test timing and Hungary

From the official Hungarian web page:

who certifies that SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus was not detectable in
his/her body at the time of the study with a SARS-CoV-2 PCR test in
Hungarian or English, which is not older than 72 hours, made in a
country according to the 60/2021. (II. 12.) of the Government
paragraph 3(2a) a)-i).

While a bit twisted, to me it appears that the intent is that you were tested within 72 hours of arrival. TESTED doesn't matter when you get the results (as long as its before you expect the airline to give you a boarding pass).

I have done enough traveling lately where I finally just built an excel spreadsheet to assist in doing the the timing and the time conversions.

DO NOT FORGET THE CHANGE IN TIME ZONES
My flight arrives in Budapest on 11/04/2021 at 7:25:00 PM CET
I must be tested AFTER 11/01/2021 at 1:25:00 PM CST (unless the flight is late arriving in which case technically I would be screwed - so i plan on doing it the next morning)

This is my worry. We leave on the 12th and arrive on the 13th. With the change in time accounted for i have to have results no earlier than the 10th at 6:35 AM. Which means I have about 48 hours to get results before we board in the US. With testing that can take up to 72 hours, this is causing me considerable worry.

You have a 24 hour flight?
If you dont mind, what is the date and time (and time zone) of departure and the date and time of arrival?

For the September trip I got my test done at a place that advertised "Test by 9am, Results by 5pm". But they charged for it. Then a few weeks later I had a friend that just went to the local CVS and Walgreens (where tests are free). She got tested in 3 locations one day. She got all her results back within about 18 hours. One in about 12 hours.

BUT, I cut it a little short on my test. I got to the airport before 5pm and didnt have my result yet. I told the ticket agent I would get the test in Istanbul when I changed planes (I had a long layover and I have gotten tested in Istanbul before and it only took an hour). No luck. I had one ticket to Budapest so I had to have the test before I could get boarding passes. But they did say, push comes to shove, I could split my ticket into two tickets and then they could let me on. $$$$ I called the lab and had the result in 5 minutes.

We leave at 1pm central time on the 12th and because of layovers arrive at 12:35 on 13th.

I’ve scheduled one test already on the 9th but will take more tests on the 10th at other locations. The airline says the test has to be issued after 635 am the 10th.

My lawyer brain sees a difference in when you are tested and when results are dated.

12:35 pm on 13 November in Budapest is 5:35 am 13 November in CST.

-72 Hours = 5:35 AM 10 November.

Assuming a few hours for check in, etc. Yup, you have right at 48 to 50 hours to get your results.
I would find a place with fast results and pay for it.

The test should have a Sample Collection Time on it. Thats the mark they will use. In Hungarian the rules are a bit less twisted. Lawyers think too much.

By the way, we will be in Budapest at the same time (for a few days).

Clemenza this is pretty obvious. Don't know why it didn't cross my mind. Here at least, COVID tests are free. Go get tested today, see how long the results take.

By the way there is a "New Wine and Goose Festival" in Szentendre on the 13th and 14th. I can send you a link for tickets if you are interested.

Yah. I’m going to test this week and see how long it takes CVS.

The other question is if a RT-PCR (quick pcr test) test is acceptable. I don’t have a problem paying for one but I don’t want to if they won’t accept it. I asked the airline and she said “no. Only PCR.”

Which it is…

RT-PCR? I believe that's what mine was called.

The last trip, in September this year, i got the results while waiting in line to get my boarding pass. The Turkish Air agent studied it on my cell phone screen for a moment then asked when I had the test done. I said about 50 hours ago. He handed me my boarding pass. Later when looking at the test results I noticed there was no time stamp on them. Nice guy. The Immigration guard in Budapest didn't even look.

By the way, starting MONDAY masks will be required on the metro and I suspect they will start checking vaccine cards for larger venues.

I cant guarantee it but I would suspect our CDC card will work.

The statements from the government leadership is that they have no desire to go back to lockdowns or severe restrictions.

It is a shame, in the beginning Hungary was a leader in vaccinations in Europe; they turned their back on the EU system and went out and purchased vaccines on every market they could find.

Then they hit about 50% vaccinated and things slowed down. I believe they are at about 60% to 65% which seems to be a natural ceiling in many countries.

ALSO, know that Hungary goes off Daylight Savings time on MONDAY the 1st of November. So, when there was a 7 hour difference between Hungary and CST, now it will be a 6 hour difference. I point this out for those timing COVID tests.

CVS test (PCR) took 24 hours, almost to the minute to get results. But I bet consistency from city to city may vary.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/covid19/a-bit-antidotal-but-possibly-reassuring